JP2008525096A - Apparatus and method for washing - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for washing a textile product comprising washing the textile product using a cationic solution and bleaching and disinfecting the textile product using an anionic solution.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates generally to laundry. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus and method for cleaning and disinfecting laundry items including clothing and other fabrics using anionic and cationic solutions.

  The purpose of washing is to wash the laundry by removing dirt and contaminants from fabrics and fabrics such as textiles. In conventional washing machines, cleaning is accomplished by a combination of mechanical input of the machine, heated water, and chemical input of detergents and additives. The most important element in the process is the detergent, whose main role is to remove dirt from the textile. The effectiveness of the detergent depends on the cleaning medium, which is usually water.

  Consumer washing machines are typically used to wash household laundry, including clothing, household linens and the like. Commercial washing machines are used to wash commercial and industrial laundry, including uniforms, hospital sheets, laboratory lab coats, patient bed cloths, restaurant tablecloths and napkins, for hotels There are sheets and pillowcases, and other such items. Some of these laundry items require special processing, such as removing blood from hospital laundry or removing oil stains from work clothes.

  The user of the washing machine determines the appropriate program for the different types of textiles processed in the washing machine. Each program uses different amounts of additives such as enzymes to remove blood and solvents to remove oil stains. Each program has different stages, each stage having a predefined water level, operating temperature, duration and required additives.

  Typically, a laundry process, particularly commercial laundry, comprises the steps of pickling, washing, disinfection and bleaching, and rinsing. While this is a typical process, it can vary depending on the requirements of the type of laundry being washed. In this case, one or more of these steps can be omitted, one or more steps can be performed one or more times, and / or the order can be changed.

  The water must act as a transport medium for the detergent and remove the released dirt. During the washing process, the water is often heated, sometimes to a high temperature of 90 degrees Celsius (C). Heating increases the cleaning efficiency but leads to the accumulation of calcified precipitates during the wash, eventually clogging the washing machine, especially the washing machine's heating pipe.

  In order to prevent inorganic substances such as calcium and magnesium from precipitating in the washing machine or on the textile product, it is necessary to use soft water in the process.

  The removal of dirt from the textile product can be achieved by chemical reaction. In some cases, the soil may consist of materials that cannot be removed by chemical treatment. In this case, the dough is washed only by replacing it with a process using a surfactant. For this reason, some detergents have enhanced cleaning ability with surfactants and auxiliaries.

  Other conventional methods of improving laundry include adjusting stage length, water temperature or washing machine operation.

  Another way to improve laundry is to take advantage of the electrical properties of water.

One attempt to do this was done by Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd., Japan, in a press release dated June 22, 2001, announcing a washing machine that uses electrolytic water to increase the effectiveness of the detergent. This Sanyo washing machine “uses the power of electrolyzed water generated using electrodes that are placed on the washing tub side and generate active oxygen and hypochlorous acid that decompose organic dirt.”
Sanyo uses electrolysis but does not use electrochemical substances. This does not provide a cleaning solution (having a pH greater than 10) to open the fabric and release the soil from the contaminated fabric. Sanyo uses only bleaching elements.

  Sanyo has not achieved the same cleaning results that are achieved using anionic and cationic solutions.

  Sanyo uses ultrasonic pulses to mechanically accomplish the task to clean the fabric. Ultrasonic pulses are unacceptable to consumers because they can damage the fabric.

Another attempt to utilize electricity to wash laundry is provided by LG Electronics in South Korea in US Patent Application No. 20040206133 (Al) (Invention Name “Washing Machine”). Discloses a washing machine including a “plasma discharge unit for performing plasma discharge on washing water”. “According to this, the washing performance and the rinsing performance are improved and the amount of washing water is reduced.”
However, LG Electronics does not achieve the same cleaning results that are achieved using anionic and cationic solutions.

  E. B. Altshul and V.W. V. Toropkov refers to the laundry technique used in the 1992 laundry service used by St. Petersburg's medical institutions.

  They published these results for the first international symposium on electrochemical activation in industry in Moscow, Russia in 1997, “Electrochemical activation in industry” (“Electrochemical activation”). In the book "Activation In Industry"), "Technology of Washing" ("Technology of Washing") in the St. Petersburg and Leningrad region using solutions synthesized by STEL equipment Household, Special and Hospitality Landing Usage Solutions Synthesized by STEL Devices in St. Pet. They are summarized in the paper that rsburg and Leningrad Region ")".

  Although a laundry technique is not described, it is mentioned that this technique uses an anolyte synthesized and produced by a device called a “STEL” system device. This is an outline without detailed description. Furthermore, Altshul and Toropkov conclude that the washing process with detergents can be significantly more effective using electrochemically activated water. In particular, they do not suggest washing without detergent, washing without heating the water, or washing with hard water.

  R. Sh. Perlovsky describes the results of a laundry solution based on an electrochemical activation (ECA) solution with an anolyte and a catholyte. He published this result for the second international symposium on electrochemical activation in industry in Moscow, Russia, in 1999, “Electrochemical Activation in Industry”. In Quality "), the quality of waste water produced in the linen washing process using a new system using ECA solution (" Quality of waste in produced of linlanding using the "new system with ECA solution application") ".

  Perlovsky summarizes the results of studies conducted in “about 50 experimental laundry” to study the effect of electrochemical activation (ECA) solutions on the quality of laundry and treated wastewater. He notes that the ECA solution comprises an anolyte and a catholyte.

  He also said that less detergent was needed to achieve a satisfactory laundry result, and that the wastewater produced was similarly less ionic and less surfactant in the wastewater. Reporting.

He concludes that:
“Using ECA solutions in the washing process can significantly reduce detergent consumption (2 to 2.5 times) without compromising the ability of the solution to wash.”
-"The use of new laundry systems that use ECA solutions may reduce the toxicity of wastewater generated during washing."
-"Addition of anolyte to wastewater precipitates surfactant material from the solution, thus facilitating further purification of the solution."
Perlovsky is washing without using any detergent, washing without heating water (ambient temperature), optimizing laundry by washing with cation solution only or mainly with cation solution and anion solution only or It does not address basic issues such as bleaching and / or disinfecting, mainly with anionic solutions. His description appears to be an experimental system under development rather than a mature system and method, such as the system and method of the present invention for washing laundry using anionic and cationic solutions. It is.

  Harkins et al., US Pat. No. 6,638,364 (2003) (Title of Invention “Electrolyzed alkaline water generated from NaCl solution is used to clean and disinfect carpets, fabrics, and hard surfaces.” System for cleaning ("Surfaces such as" TOSET TO CLEAN AND DISFECT CARPETS, FABRICS " System and method ... ". The system and method uses a standard electrolytic solution of water and electrolyte, and uses electrolyzed alkaline water produced by an electrolysis process, which electrolyte is chlorinated at a concentration between about 1% and 50%. Contains sodium (NaCl). In a preferred embodiment, a sodium chloride concentration of about 20% is used. The electrolyzed alkaline water produced by this method is effective in cleaning and disinfecting both soft and hard surfaces.

  Harkins uses only electrolyzed alkaline water and their systems and methods are for cleaning surfaces such as carpets, not for laundry. Harkins teaches the use of high pressure to heat water and spray water on the carpet, which also contributes to the physical removal of contaminants while at the same time a mixture of cation and anion solutions Is used.

  The present invention provides a method and system for electrochemically activated laundry that can be adapted for use in commercial and consumer washing machines. Washing the textile product is accomplished by introducing an electrochemically activated solution and tap water (hard water).

The properties of the cationic solution are used for washing, and the properties of the anionic solution are used for bleaching and disinfecting.
US Patent Application No. 20040206133 (Al) US Pat. No. 6,638,364 “Electrochemical Activation In Industry” (1997)

The objects and advantages of the present invention are:
-Minimal water consumption (lowest water level at all stages)
-Minimal detergent consumption or no detergent at all (no detergent is required for most applications of the present invention)
-Longer fabric life (less chemical damage),
-Minimize washing process time (shorter than in conventional process).

-Do not heat the water-Use water at ambient temperature (except if necessary to perform minimal heating to wash heavily contaminated textiles),
-The water may be hard water,
-The wastewater is biodegradable,
including.

Therefore, a method for washing textile products, the method comprising:
Washing the textile using a cationic solution;
Bleaching and disinfecting textiles using an anionic solution;
A method comprising: is provided according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

  Further, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the cation solution is used to wash the textile product, which is subsequently drained.

  Further, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, an anionic solution is used to bleach and disinfect the textile product, which is subsequently drained.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises soaking the textile prior to washing and bleaching and disinfection.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the textile product is soaked more than once.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the textile product is soaked using water.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises rinsing the textile after washing and bleaching and disinfection.

  Further, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the textile is rinsed more than once.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises dewatering the liquid from the textile after washing and bleaching and disinfection.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the textile is washed more than once.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the textile is bleached and disinfected more than once.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, water is used.

  Further, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the water is at ambient temperature.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the water is heated.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the amount of water used is the minimum required to wet the textile.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the water comprises hard water.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the water comprises soft water.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, an auxiliary cleaning agent is used.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, anions and cations for cation solutions and anion solutions are generated using an electrochemically activated cell.

  Moreover, according to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises diluting the cation solution with water.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises diluting the anion solution with water.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the anion and cation for the cation solution and anion solution are generated from brine containing potassium chloride.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the anion and cation for the cation solution and the anion solution are generated from brine containing sodium chloride.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the cationic solution used for washing is characterized by having a pH value greater than 10.

  Further, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the anion solution used in bleaching and disinfecting is characterized by having a redox potential value greater than +800 millivolts.

Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a washing apparatus for washing textile products, comprising:
At least one container for receiving the textile product;
A liquid supply unit for supplying liquid to the container;
An anion solution supply unit for supplying the anion solution to the container;
A cation solution supply unit for supplying the cation solution to the container;
A driver to facilitate stirring of the textile and liquid in the container;
A drain pipe for draining the liquid from the container;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the device and for carrying out the washing phase;
With
This washing stage
Washing the textile using a cationic solution;
Bleaching and disinfecting the textile using an anionic solution, comprising:
A laundry device is provided.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the container is a drum.

  Further in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the driver includes a motor coupled to the drum for rotating the drum.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the anion solution supply and the cation solution supply are integrated into a single supply.

  Furthermore, according to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus further comprises an electrochemical activation cell for providing an anion solution and a cation solution.

  Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus is provided with a tank, ie, at least one tank for containing an anion solution and at least one tank for containing a cation solution. And will be provided.

  Further in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus is provided with a tank for containing salt water.

  The present invention will be described herein by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like components are designated with like numerals.

  The present invention can be implemented in an existing washing machine by adding the components of the present invention to the washing machine. The present invention is applicable to all types of washing machines, including commercial washing machines and consumer washing machines. The commercial machine can be any kind of commercial washing machine, including a continuous batch washing machine (tunnel washing machine).

  The control of the present invention can be implemented in various ways. That is, independent manual or automatic control, control incorporated in a washing machine, and the like.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a commercial laundry machine (hereinafter referred to as a washing machine) adapted for performing laundry using anionic and cationic solutions in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. This device is incorporated into one or more commercial washing machines in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

This washing machine is a standard washing machine component,
At least one drum for receiving the textile product;
A water supply for supplying water to the drum;
A motor and drive for rotating the drum;
A drain pipe for draining liquid from the drum;
A controller for controlling the operation of the machine and carrying out the washing phase;
Suppose that a component is included.

  Although the present invention is shown in the figures as being outside the washing machine, all or a portion may be integrated into the machine interior.

Water 11 is added to the salt in the salt water tank 12 (optionally, the salt water tank 12 is omitted by adding a saturated salt solution or dry salt directly to the water flowing into the electrochemical activation cell 15. Is possible). Preferably, the water 11 is soft water so as not to block the electrochemical activation cell 15. For example, water can be softened by passing it through a reverse osmosis unit. The brine preferably comprises potassium chloride (K ⁺ Cl ⁻ ), sodium chloride (Na ⁺ Cl ⁻ ) or a mixture of both salts. These salts are readily available and low cost—but other salts may be used.

  Brine from tank 12 is diluted with water 11 to reach the desired operating current in the cell and then added to electrochemical activation cell 15.

  Although the electrochemical activation cell 15 is well known to those skilled in the art, these operations are summarized here for reference.

  Low concentration brine enters a cell (pipe or tube) with anode (+) and cathode (-) electroplated bodies separated by a selective membrane. This membrane allows the electrochemical activation cell to split the ions into two solutions.

  As the salt water passes through the cell, the cations flow to the cathode, creating a cation solution (alkaline solution) having a pH greater than 10.0. The anion flows to the anode, creating an anion solution (acidic solution) having a pH of less than 3.5.

An electrochemical activation cell 15 is coupled to a power source 16, which electrolyzes the cations and anions of salt water, such as potassium ions (K ⁺ ) and chloride ions (Cl ⁻ ), to provide a cation solution 14a. And anion solution 13a, respectively.

  The cation solution 14a is collected in the storage tank 14b. The cationic solution 14a is an alkaline solution that cleans lipid-based and organic soils very cleanly during the washing process, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for detergents. Recommended values are a hydrogen ion concentration index (pH) greater than 10 and an ORP (redox potential) of less than -850 mV.

  The anionic and cationic solutions described above are biodegradable and therefore do not pose a risk of environmental contamination—the problems associated with washing using chemical detergents.

  The anion solution 13a is collected in the storage tank 13b. The anion solution 13a is an acidic solution that is mainly used to disinfect and bleach during the laundry process. Recommended values are pH below 3.5, ORP above +800 mV, total chlorine concentration above 1500 ppm.

  If necessary during the washing cycle, the cation solution 14a flows from the tank 14b via the pipe 14c to the washing machine 19a and / or the tunnel washing machine 19b. If necessary during the washing cycle, the anion solution 13a flows from the tank 13b via the pipe 13c to the washing machine 19a and / or the tunnel washing machine 19b.

  If necessary, an auxiliary cleaning agent 18 such as an enzyme or solvent may be added during the wash cycle, but for many types of laundry no detergent is required. For the purposes of the present invention, it is not necessary to add detergents, in fact the present invention provides an environmentally friendly detergent-free process.

  The drainage is discharged through the drain pipe 20.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a consumer laundry device (hereinafter also referred to as a washing machine) adapted for washing using anionic and cationic solutions according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device is incorporated into a consumer washing machine 23.

  The consumer machine embodiment presented here is functionally the same as the business machine embodiment presented in FIG. The consumer machine embodiments may be implemented in whole or in part on the outside of the consumer machine, but in most cases are preferably integrated in the casing of the consumer machine 23.

  Water 26 (optionally passes through a softening device such as reverse osmosis unit 30) and mixes with saturated or dry salt from vessel 36 to form brine, which is passed to electrochemical activation cell 32. This electrochemical activation cell 32 is connected to a power supply 34 under the control of the control unit 38.

  The anion solution flows from the electrochemical activation cell 32 to the anion solution tank 25. The cation solution flows from the electrochemical activation cell 32 to the cation solution tank 21. When these tanks are almost full, the float switch 24 shuts off the supply to the tanks. An electromechanical valve (normally closed) 22 is opened by the controller 38 at an appropriate time during the process phase to release an anionic or cationic solution to the machine laundry drum 28. The drainage is discharged through the drain pipe 40.

  The drum referred to above (with respect to both the figure of the present invention and any other embodiment) is a convenient means for containing the textile product and stirring the textile product in the liquid associated with the washing process. is there. However, other alternatives such as a container with any mechanical means for shaking the container or for stirring the contents of the container may be used.

  A method for washing based on anionic and cationic solutions and carried out using a commercial washing machine with a cathode and anode solution as shown in FIG. 1 is described below according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Describe in. This method is substantially the same as the method implemented in the consumer washing machine shown in FIG.

  A preferred order of this method is shown below. In all stages, usually a minimal amount of liquid (preferably water) is required. The minimum is the amount necessary to wet the laundry, and this amount depends on the physical design of the washing machine.

  -Steeping stage: This is done using a minimum amount of 17 water. If desired, an auxiliary cleaning agent 18 such as an enzyme or solvent may be added. This stage, unlike conventional processes, does not require heating of water (although heating may be useful for some types of heavily soiled laundry). The drain pipe 20 discharges the waste water at the soaking stage to the sewer.

  -Washing phase: Cation solution 14a is discharged from tank 14b via pipe 14c with a minimum amount of water 17 into washing machine 19a and / or tunnel washing machine 19b drum. The preferred amount of cationic solution can vary from 0.2 liters to 1 liter per kg of laundry in the washing machine drum (we have found that in fully operational commercial machines, 0.5 liter of cation solution was used per kg of product). This stage is usually at least 15% shorter in process time compared to conventional laundry and usually does not require heating of water (heating can be useful for some types of heavily soiled laundry But). The drain pipe 20 discharges the waste water at the washing stage to the sewer.

  Bleaching and disinfecting stage: the anion solution 13a is discharged from the tank 13b through the pipe 13c together with a minimum amount of tap water 17 into the drum of the washing machine 19a and / or the tunnel washing machine 19b. The preferred amount of anion solution can vary in the range of 0.2 to 1 liter per kg of laundry in the machine drum. 0.5 liters of anion solution per kg was used). This stage is usually at least 15% shorter in process time compared to conventional laundry and usually does not require heating of water (heating can be useful for some types of heavily soiled laundry But). A drain 20 discharges the bleach / disinfection stage drain to the sewer.

  -Rinsing stage: the drum 19a and / or the tunnel washing machine 19b drum is filled with a minimum amount of tap water. For the washing machine 19a, the preferred operating time is 2 minutes. The drain pipe 20 drains the drain water in the rinsing stage to the sewer. For the tunnel washing machine 19b, only one section of the tunnel is used. The rinse time is the tunnel travel time, and water is delivered to the bleaching section by backflow.

  -Dehydration stage (applicable to washing machine 19a): Machine 19 dehydrates water from linen. In a tunnel washing machine, dewatering is performed by moving the linen into a press or to a dewaterer coupled to the tunnel. The drain pipe 20 discharges the drainage in the dehydration stage to the sewer.

  Other washing steps can be incorporated into the process of the present invention, but are not essential to the present invention. The new embodiment of the method of the invention relates in particular to the washing stage and the bleaching and disinfection stage. Pickling is actually recommended, but the washing process can be carried out without pickling, as is the rinsing and dehydration stage.

  The inventors of the present invention tested their invention by operating a batch-type commercial washing machine using the method described above for a period of three months, and the hotel laundry, hospital Excellent washing results were obtained in laundry (which is often heavily soiled and often contaminated with blood) and restaurant maps (which are often heavily soiled with oil stains and leftovers). The consumer of the textile products mentioned above was very satisfied with this result.

  It is obvious that the description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings described herein are only for better understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the scope covered by the claims. Must.

  It should also be apparent to those skilled in the art that after reading this specification, adjustments or modifications may be made to the attached figures and the embodiments described above, which are covered by the claims. Don't be.

1 is a block diagram of a commercial laundry machine adapted for performing laundry using anionic and cationic solutions in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a consumer laundry device adapted for performing laundry using anionic and cationic solutions in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Claims (28)

A method for washing textile products, comprising:
-Treating the aqueous solution by electrolysis to produce an anion solution and a cation solution and transferring each said anion and cation solution to independent anions and cation tanks;
-Contacting the textile with the cation solution withdrawn from the cation tank;
-Contacting the textile with the anion solution withdrawn from the anion tank;
With
Contacting the cation solution is separated from contacting the anion solution.   The method of claim 1, wherein contacting the cation solution precedes contacting the anion solution.   The method of claim 1, wherein the cation solution is drained following contact with the cation solution.   The method of claim 1, wherein the anion solution is drained following contact with the anion solution.   The method of claim 1, wherein contacting the textile with the cationic solution and contacting the textile with the anion solution is repeated two or more times.   The method of claim 2, further comprising immersing the textile product at least once before contacting the textile product with the cationic solution.   The method of claim 1, further comprising rinsing the textile product at least once after contacting the textile product with the anionic solution or with the cationic solution.   The method of claim 1, further comprising adding water to the cationic solution or anionic solution when contacting the textile product with the cationic solution or anionic solution.   The method of claim 8, wherein the water is at ambient temperature or heated.   The method according to claim 8, wherein the water is soft water or hard water.   The method of claim 1, wherein the aqueous solution contains no detergent.   The method of claim 1, wherein the aqueous solution is an alkali metal salt solution.   13. The method of claim 12, wherein the alkali metal salt is a potassium or sodium salt or a combination thereof.   14. A method according to claim 13, wherein the salt is potassium chloride or sodium chloride.   The method of claim 1, wherein the cation solution has a pH value greater than 10.   The method of claim 1, wherein the cation solution has a redox potential value of less than −850 mV.   The method of claim 1, wherein the anion solution has a pH value of less than 3.5.   The method of claim 1, wherein the anion solution has a redox potential value greater than +800 mV. A fiber having a container for receiving a textile product, a liquid supply part for putting a liquid in the container, a driver for stirring the textile product and the liquid in the container, a liquid drain pipe, and a control device A washing device for washing products, the device comprising:
An electrolysis unit for separating the aqueous solution into a cation solution and an anion solution;
A cation tank and an anion tank for storing the anion and cation solution independently, respectively, each tank supplying the respective solution to the tank from the unit to supply the respective solution to the tank; A cation tank and an anion tank connected via a pipe;
A pipe and a liquid flow regulator for independently feeding each of the solutions to the container, the controller being configured to drive the regulator for such independent feeding A pipe and liquid flow control device; and
A washing apparatus comprising:   The washing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the container is a washing drum.   The washing apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a motor coupled to the driver for stirring the textile and liquid.   20. The laundry device according to claim 19, wherein the cationic solution has a pH value greater than 10.   The laundry device according to claim 19, wherein the cation solution has a redox potential value of less than -850 mV.   20. The laundry device according to claim 19, wherein the anion solution has a pH value of less than 3.5.   20. The laundry device according to claim 19, wherein the anion solution has a redox potential value greater than +800 mV.   The laundry device according to claim 19, which is a consumer laundry device.   The washing apparatus according to claim 19, which is a commercial laundry apparatus.   The washing device according to claim 19, which is a continuous batch type washing machine.

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